From Wildlife to Weddings: An Unlikely Origin Story

Born and raised in Calgary, Todd’s first experiences behind the lens came in high school, capturing wildlife on film and developing images in a darkroom. The quiet patience and lightning-fast reflexes required to photograph animals in the wild gave him a foundational skill set few wedding photographers possess: anticipation.

“You need to be ready before the moment happens,” Todd says. “And that’s exactly what weddings require.”

He photographed his first wedding in 2007—for free, as a favour to a friend. That leap of faith was enough to spark a full-blown career. Despite never having attended a wedding as a guest or second shooter, Todd relied on his instincts and found joy in figuring things out for himself. That independence still shapes the way he works today.

A Self-Taught Photographer Building a Team-Based Legacy

Unlike many in the industry, Todd is almost entirely self-taught. He’s only second-shot once in his career and runs Tkshotz not as a solo venture, but as a collaborative operation with a trusted team of photographers and videographers. Together, they cover up to 75 weddings annually—offering photography, videography, photo booth rentals, livestreaming, and even an audio guestbook.

Rather than rigid hourly packages, Todd structures his services around full coverage—typically 12-hour days—focused on capturing the story as it unfolds. The team’s home base remains in Calgary, with frequent shoots in Banff and Canmore. They travel often as a family, but weddings are deliberately kept local to preserve balance.

Todd credits his continued energy and consistency to this structure: “My wife blocks time off every summer and winter so we can recharge. That reset is what keeps us fresh and excited for each new couple.”

Style, Substance, and a Willingness to Adapt

Tkshotz isn’t defined by a static “look.” Instead, Todd approaches every wedding with fresh eyes, tuning his shooting and editing style to each couple’s energy, location, and lighting conditions.

“We don’t promise a style that belongs to another couple,” he explains. “Every wedding is its own story. Every edit is custom.”

Still, some core values are always present: light, connection, and story. Todd is especially passionate about in-camera effects—building custom lens overlays and investing in high-quality prime lenses to ensure every image has a signature feel.

He’s also a believer in letting moments breathe. “We’re hands-on in the morning to keep things flowing, then hands-off during the ceremony to capture the real moments in between the big ones.”

What Couples Say

Couples working with Todd quickly discover the power of trust. “Clients always comment on how much we capture,” he says. “Not just the big moments, but the emotion in between—especially during the formals.”

His clients give him creative freedom, which he sees as the ultimate compliment. “They let us take the lead because they know what we can do.”

And while Todd still considers himself an introvert, his team brings the energy. “I have a ‘wedding voice’ that kicks in. We’ve done so many weddings now that we know exactly how to keep the day running smoothly while having fun. That’s what makes it sustainable.”

Looking Ahead: Legacy in Progress

After nearly two decades, Todd is still evolving. His daughter, now 16, has already second-shot weddings and assisted planners—continuing the family’s growing legacy in the wedding space. His two younger sons are beginning to show interest, too.

“I don’t know what the life expectancy of a wedding photographer is,” Todd says with a laugh. “But 18 years in, we’re still having a blast.”

That combination of experience, adaptability, and genuine love for the work has made Tkshotz a mainstay for couples across Alberta. Todd’s advice to other photographers? “Stay on your own path. Work hard. And don’t try to change to please everyone. The right clients will come—and they’ll love what you create.”

Website: tkshotz.com
Instagram: @tkshotz